Orevwa

What a blessing of a week with our team from Michigan! It was so cool to see how God used each one of them in their own special ways; whether that was with music, creativity, or just loving on those around them. It was great that the guys jumped right in helping with the water hose in Cite Soleil, and the ladies putting together and organizing the crafts for the orphanages - they were a hit!! Everyone really interacted with the children wherever we were, and didn't hesitate when it came to holding them, playing games with them, or even singing with some. It was fun to watch them create and deepen relationships with one another as well as with the neighborhood boys and the Healing Haiti staff.  As the week went on you really could see each individual open up, more eager to jump in, and engage more. We are so dang excited to see how God uses this trip to further His Kingdom and continue to work in each persons heart. 

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. 

Matthew 6:33, 34

We love you all & we are so glad we were able to experience Haiti with you guys. 

Glwa Pou Bondye,

Angie & Raena

Bondye Beni'ou

Day 7 - PAPF, Mountain

My eyes creaked open to a ray of light shining through the window. I roll out of bed and walk to the balcony. The sun rises as the roosters crow and the goats play in the lot next door. This was a typical morning for me in Haiti. Beautiful. While I was up there today, I was thinking of all of the things the day had in store. First we would go to church. Next we would go up the mountain to eat lunch and visit shops. Then to the grocery store before we come back for dinner. It sounds like a laid back day, maybe more like a vacation. Unless you have been here, you would have no idea how mistaken you were for thinking that. We left for church bright eyed and bushy tailed with nothing but smiles. We were moving up a one lane street that would typically be limited at 25 mph in the  U.S. We were going 55. Flying down closed streets filled with honking cars. Weaving trough traffic, dodging goats and people. Sound exciting yet? Its only 10 am. We arrived at church just in time for the last service. We entered seeing smiles everywhere. Everyone was ecstatically welcoming us. The worship started. Its was beautiful. They were playing some Christmas worship songs, some classics and some that I hadn't heard before. It was quite the experience. The pastor came up and spoke about how growing spiritually is like a gift to both God and your pastor. The sermon ended with a baby dedication and we begun our trek up the mountain. At the top we stopped at one of the most amazing restaurants I've been to. It was all out on a balcony overlooking all of Haiti. You could see everything. I was also extremely surprised at the class the restaurant had compared to the rest of the country. Not that rest of Haiti is bad, because it is beautiful but this place tops all of the rest of the restaurants I've been to back home. I took one last breath of the soothing mountain breeze, one last glance at the gorgeous scenery, still trying to take it all in and jumped on the top-top. Swerving and bouncing, off to the grocery store we went. When we got there it was crowded. The thing that caught my attention the most was all of the armed security guards. Can you imagine going to a Grocery and seeing an armed guard at every exit and at the end of your checkout lane? We picked up what we need and got back on our way. When we got back to the guest house we decided to go see the neighborhood boys before we leave for home tomorrow. We taught them how to play the human knot and they really seemed to get a kick out of  it.  There you have it the excitement of the day. Still think it sounds like a laid back Sunday vacation? Didn't think so. Still no less beautiful than a day on the beach in a hammock.

- Noah S.

Teaching the neighborhood boys human knot

On top of the mountain overlooking Haiti

Day 6 - Grace Village, Elders & Mass Graves

Today we traveled to Titanyen to visit Grace Village. Some may not know that this village came about because of all the work Healing Haiti is doing. This village includes an orphanage that houses a total of 41 children, family-style homes that offer the children a family they did not have before, and the Grace Clinic that averages about 80-90 patients a day. They recently just gave birth to their very first baby. In addition, they have aquaponics which allows them to harvest their own fish every 3 months and cycle the water from there  to provide nutrients to grow they own food. They constructed a new bakery to train families how bake pizza and other bake goods use on site. When we witnessed Grace Village it was such a beautiful sight to see. Not only are they bringing the community together with their church, but with their teachings of family and what it is like to be apart of a family. It gives the kids there a second chance at a life they would have never known before. Angela, one of our magnificent team leaders, told us of a story of a boy coming to Grace Village for the very first time. One of the older boys said he was no longer an orphan here, he was family. How amazing is that?

We then headed to visit 3 elders that Grace Village sponsors. We delivered a hot meal, worship music, and foot washing. I, McKennah, can honestly say that I was a little turned away to washing an elder man’s feet. I don’t even like washing my own. However, I felt the nudge of the Lord at the last stop and knew that I knew I would always regret it if I didn't put myself out there. When washing his feet, all I could think was his skin was so cracked and hard that I knew he had been through a lot. When asking what he would like us to pray for, his only request was for his nightmares at night from his days before accepting Jesus into his heart and got swept into voodoo. I can not even imagine what his life must have been like. 

Brunet, one of our Healing Haiti staff members, took us to the mass grave site from the 2010 earthquake. Brunet told us from his perspective of that horrific day. With the initial quake, the ground moved for 37 seconds before it quit. The Haiti government noted there were more than 300,000 people that died. Bodies that were recovered during the first 3 days were taken to these mass graves because they didn't know what to do with so many dead individuals. 

- McKennah, McKenzie, Brian Kench

At Pizza Amor last night

Washing Lindors feet

Aquaponics Garden at Grace Village

Mass Graves Memorial

At Grace Village

Day 5 - Water Trucks

Another day delivering water to thirsty families complete. As the children ran up to the tap tap, they seemed a little bit more rambunctious today than the previous water truck day. I stepped off of the truck and was completely overwhelmed by the amount of children yelling “Hey, you! Hey, you!” and raising their arms up, wishing to be held. There was so much yelling, crying, laughing, and screaming going on, and the kids pulling at my arms, legs, and shirt, I was almost pulled to the sewage filled ground. I thought that as time went on, seeing their dirty little faces may become easier, but I was very wrong.

So far, this trip has been nothing but eye opening to another side of life us fortunate ones don’t get to see. Seeing children running around with either just a shirt, pants, shoes, or underwear, but sometimes absolutely nothing, doesn’t sit too well when compared to, for example, my baby sister who has enough clothes to last her until she’s four, and all of the toys a little girl could ever want. Water truck days allow us to see the difference between our “perfect lives” in America, and these families living on the streets. They allow our eyes to be opened to God’s mercy for these people, and help us to share His love and word. 

A nice end to our crazy day, our team relaxed with dinner at Pizza Amour. This restaurant is owned by an American missionary family who lives in Haiti and has opened their home to the public. We sat at a long, wooden table, with white lights hanging from the roof, underneath a huge tree. The pizza was very delicious, by the way! Also, we were accompanied by Brunet, one of the men who stays with us throughout the day. He shared with us a little bit about his family, so our team was able to get to know him a little bit more.

I’m still absolutely loving Haiti and can’t believe this week is almost over! 

-Kiana K

Day 4 - Church, LaLoo, Soccer

Today we started with an early church service at 6 in the morning. (so people could go before work). You may think it is probably dull compared to ours in America but its not by far! They pace back and forth in the isles and dance around the room. Their worship is even extended outside. They keep garage like doors open and even pace out there. The service was very different from our norm. Its beautiful to see their love for God, even that early in the morning. 

After the church service we headed out to an orphanage. As we pulled up to the doors you could here the children squealing with joy. They were all pressed against the gate waiting for the first person to start playing with them. The orphanage was beautiful. It was all white tile with light pouring through the windows and smiling faces everywhere. We made snowmen, maracas, and decorated cookies with the children. Then as we ran out of crafts we sang an danced around. Just simply playing patty cake or letting them sit on your lap made them happy. We gathered things up to leave saying “orevwa” (goodbye). It was sad leaving the kids knowing they don't have families like we do. I am just happy they have each other. 

The orphanage we went to was close to the local museum so we thought since we didn't have anything else to do we’d make a stop. This was an interesting trip! We looked through the section that was in English and learned about the slavery, revolution, torture, and how they got to where they are now. After we finished looking around we were guided through the history of their land. It actually turns out the have an anchor from one of Christopher Columbus boats, the Santa Maria. I found that strange but it turned out Christopher's boat sank near by. There was also a crown from one of their rulers that was pure gold. I found it crazy that they still have it. Even though we were all tired it was a great experience learned the history of where we are ministering to.

We finished our day with a Christmas party with the neighbor boys. “How many people can you fit in a top top?” “Just one more.” We had 19 boys ride with us to the soccer fields across town. It sure did get packed in there. We original had 16 just from our group alone. Thats 35 people in one van sized vehicle. When we arrived at the field we found we had to share it with the cows. It was nice to get to know the local boys and playing soccer with the pros they are. We made ‘snow’ for them, as no one has ever seen it in Haiti, we also had the opportunity to decorate cookies with frosting and mini m&ms.  On the way back to the guesthouse we all joined in singing songs at the top of our lungs. Their smiles alone could make your day. We finished that the day off with a group picture of the 35 of us. Blessed to be in Haiti!

- Kiana S, Jaden & Tommy Y

Day 3 - HFSD & Handicap Orphanage & Apparent Project

Wondering through the town we reached our destination. We had made it to a home for sick and dying children.. Our group had split and went our different ways to meet again later. As we began walking towards the towering wall I noticed a large gathering of Haitians waiting for the gates to open to see their children. They were not allowed in yet so we walked down the center of the mob to reach the door that would begin our heartbreaks. It did not seem to bad at first glance but as we fed and held the babies you could feel their bones. Picking them up out of their cribs was utterly shocking. If you've ever heard the saying “you're just skin and bones” those words literally explain some of them. I felt as if I would break them in half just by holding the children. The six year olds look as if they were three. I have never held someone or in fact a item more fragile. As we wrapped up, we placed the babies in the cribs and began to walk out. All you could hear was crying. One even tried to follow us out. Its crazy how all they want is to be held. To be wanted by a stranger. This was definitely awakening. We have it so good. 

- Kiana S.

Today we went to the orphanage for handicap and played with the children.  We started out making maracas with the children and one little girl who was blind was so excited that she was giggling. We were told that the word for music in creole was the same so I told her music and she would shake it then we made more and she ended up with 2 of them. They all were so excited that they were shaking them and then pounding them on the table like a drum. We sang some songs in English while they shook their maracas.  Then the director came and started singing songs in creole at first I wasn’t sure of the songs but then I knew a song they were singing…. then sings my soul my savior God to thee how great thou are.  These children even in their situation were all singing with her and in that moment I realized that when you have Jesus in your heart that there is joy that no situation can take away from us. 

- Tammy

After the morning of Home for the Sick & Dying Babies and the orphanage for the Handicap children we were able to visit Apparent Project. Apparent Project is a nonprofit organization that empowers the poor in Haiti. At The Apparent Project the artisans use discarded materials such as cereal boxes, oil drums, and plastics to create pieces of jewelry, journals, and decor. It is amazing to see how they are empowering these Haitians and allowing them to be able to support their family. Each piece of jewelry and decor has a specific artist that made it, so you are able to know who made it and how its supporting them. They recently started a daycare for the children of the parents who are working at Apparent Project as well. At Apparent Project this fall/winter, they have created a larger cafe called Clay Cafe. It is open to the public to come in and get some smoothies, coffees, and snacks. There are also some games to play such as foosball, bean bag toss, chess, and a pool table. We were able to enjoy the smoothies, and shop around for jewelry, christmas ornaments, etc. 

- Raena

Day 2 - Water Trucks

HEY YOU!

Our Team

Today we delivered water to three different locations in Cite Soleil. When we were driving in, we were surrounded by lots of children all around the truck. They put their arms up to be picked up before we ever got our feet on the ground. Children were everywhere. There was one child that I keep thinking about. He was smaller than my two year old son and no mother in sight. He had his feet in what appeared to be sewage that ran through the city. He had puke on his shirt and arms and he looked so sad. I squatted down to talk to him but kids jumped all over me and I almost fell over. I never got to do anything but touch his little arm but I think I will remember him forever. When our kids are sick we take special care of them and love on them extra with popsicles and cartoons and snuggle time. This little guy for whatever reason was alone. This morning I read that God makes everything beautiful in its own time. I pray for that precious baby that God would do something beautiful with his little life. It would be just like my God to take this little forgotten boy and use him to change the nation of Haiti. God never chooses the mighty to do mighty things, he always does the unexpected. I’m dreaming big dreams for him……Nothing is impossible with my God.          

- Amy Young

Amy helping place a water bucket on this women's head 

The start of the water truck line 

Healing Haiti delivers free, clean water to Cite Soleil 6 days a week. (4 days a week the water is delivered by HH teams). As a team, some of us held the hose, helped direct the buckets & water, help with carry/moving buckets and then some of us played/held children of all ages. 

We had the opportunity to visit Grace Church as well, and tremendous progress has been made. 

God is so good, and His love is so apparent here in Haiti. 

Day 1 - We Made It - WOW

Wow..what a great day for travel for the team. All of our Michigan folks met up with our Team Leaders, Raena and Angie in Miami. The team had lunch together and prayer to ask for God’s safety over our travels. In addition, this mission trip represented the first time that six of our team members had ever flown and God granted peace over second flight and answered our prayer to free those with anxiously…beautifully flight. Everyone made it into Haiti at around 3:15p today…survived customs…bag claim and we managed to find all of our luggage.

Our first Tap Tap ride…singing praise music and listening to toots on the many horns…you got to be careful if you plan to drive here. Imagine six lane highways where people are making lane changes with the sound of your horn…blinkers are unnecessary here.  

Raena is taking lots of photos that we hope to update on FB soon. It is beautiful here…even in through all of the challenges and poverty there is beauty.

Travel days are long days…so time for bed and water truck tomorrow.

- Brian Kench

Team Michigan

Our Team in Miami!

Packing Party 12/8/15

Here is the majority of our team!! We are missing the Youngs!! But what a blessing that we have technology to be able to video conference each other to meet! Tonight we had our packing party; packing up snacks, activities and donations!! In just 6 short days we will be in Haiti!! We cannot wait to see how God moves in each of our lives!! 

Luke 9:23-24

The he said to them all: "whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.